The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday, January 22, 2026, allotted the ‘whistle’ symbol to actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, marking a key milestone for the newly launched party.

TVK had approached the poll panel on November 11 last year, seeking recognition and allotment of an election symbol under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. The party submitted a list of seven free symbols and three self-designed symbols for consideration, following which the ECI approved the ‘whistle’ as its official symbol.

Meanwhile, actor Kamal Haasan-led Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) was allotted the ‘battery torch’ symbol. The party had earlier contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections using the same symbol.

 

The allotment of symbols clears the way for both film-star-led parties to officially field candidates and begin campaign activities, setting the stage for a high-profile political contest in Tamil Nadu.